win for obama. >> reporter: some obama supporters conceded that republican nominee mitt romney performed better than expected. >> when you see the two together on the screen, romney is kind of smiling and smirking. >> i thought romney would fall apart. >> i give an edge slightly to obama. i think he's doing an effective job, in explaining just what he's accomplished the last four years. >> reporter: less than two miles away at the contra costa county republican headquarters, romney supporters gave their candidate high praise. >> romney needs to be personal, patient, show his plan, and he is. he has to describe how growing the economies will apply to revenues better than raising taxes. >> reporter: one romney supporter told us both men delivered strong performances. >> obama is also convincing that it is a little more freestyle, but still very organized. but i like romney appearing very organized when they first start off. >> i think he'll win the debate and the race. >> i hope. i want him to win. >> reporter: both republicans and democrats we spoke with tonight said the debate is importa